Method and apparatus for dispensing medicaments

ABSTRACT

A pharmacy workflow platform and prescription checking and medicament dispensing station and method comprising (a) script display means; (b) scanning means for providing script data and stock bottle label data in electronic format from the prescription and a stock bottle label; (c) CPU means comprising i) means for receiving and storing the script data and stock bottle data in electronic format; ii) means for transferring the script data to the script display means to effect display of the script; iii) means cooperable with medicament dispensing weighing and counting means; (d) medicament-dispensing weighing means in communication with the CPU means; and (e) control means for controlling the CPU means. Medication is dispensed in a more safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for dispensing medicaments, and more particularly to a pharmacy workflow platform, a prescription checking and medicament dispensing station, a network thereof, and methods therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There is an increasing need to dispense medicaments to individuals in pharmacies, hospitals, health centres and the like, in a safe, efficient and cost effective manner. Currently, medication errors can result from confusion over “look-alike” or “sound-alike” product names. If patients receive an incorrect drug or dosage, these errors can result in serious harm to the patient. One common cause of confusion is from a name mix-up, caused by what human factors experts call “confirmation bias”, where a practitioner reads a poorly written drug name and is most likely to see in that name that which is most familiar to him;—overlooking any disconfirming evidence.

The modern pharmacy practice therefore requires equipment and record keeping capabilities in order to enhance the safe and accurate dispensing of prescriptions. However, recently, there is the desire to also provide pharmacy services to the public, without a pharmacist being physically present. This is a process that creates the need to provide a safe and efficient communication tool for the pharmacist, in order that he/she can remotely supervise the prescription filling procedures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The advantages set out hereinabove, as well as other objects and goals inherent thereto, are at least partially or fully provided by the pharmacy workflow platform, and prescription checking and medicament dispensing station of the present invention, as set out herein below.

Accordingly, it is a principal advantage of the present invention to provide a prescription check point and medicament dispensing work station which provides for enhanced safety, efficiency, and convenience with single on-site, off-site, and/or network operations, i.e. systems having remote locations for the dispensation of medicaments.

This is achieved by superior processes for the validation of information and data, as prescribed by an authorized medical professional, and improved detection of mismatches to reduce errors in such dispensation. Such information relates to patient information in order to ensure the selection of the proper patient intended for the prescribed medication, such as, for example, name, possible alternate name, address, date of birth, telephone number, prescription information, including the prescriber's name, address, telephone, license number, and drug information such as DIN number, brand name, generic name, strength, amount, dosage, form, pack size and the like.

Verification and confirmation of the used stock bottle and proper medication as prescribed through verifying DIN/NDC number against prescription data, is also desired, and is provided by displaying a unit image which can be compared with the selected product, and systems to ensure the proper quantity of pills are counted, and placed directly into the patient's prescription drug vial, to avoid cross contamination.

Further, in case of short stock quantity, the system also preferably keeps a record of the owing balance quantity.

In preferred embodiments, the pharmacy workflow platform, and the prescription checking and medicament dispensing station, and method, provides for:

-   -   the scanning and capture of the prescription “script”, whereby         the system prompts the operator to scan the original script         while interfacing with the dispensing software and displays the         information as entered;     -   Interfacing with dispensing system to retrieve information as         entered and matches against the original script;     -   Providing for two or more authorization levels, e.g. the         pharmacist and an authorized technician to override mismatched         information;     -   Identifying the selected stock bottle before filling.         Preferably, this is confirmed by verification of the         prescription drug DIN number or NDC code, against the         prescription in to validate the correct stock bottle has been         used, and/or that the proper drug is dispensed;     -   automatic CPU control of the drug counting step which alerts the         operator if the counted pills are not properly equal to the         desired dispensed quantity. Preferably, this is achieved by         counting pills directly in vials, so that they are dispensed         without any cross contamination with other medication;     -   Keeping track of owing balance if the counted pills are less         than prescription quantity;     -   Capturing image(s) of the dispensed vial with the pills inside;     -   Remotely monitoring filling procedures via live video         communication; and     -   Allowing audio/video communication between         personnel;—particularly between the pharmacist and the         technician.

Accordingly, the invention in one aspect provides a prescription checking and medicament dispensing station comprising:

-   -   (a) script display means;     -   (b) scanning means for providing script data and stock bottle         label data in electronic format from said prescription and a         stock bottle label;     -   (c) CPU means comprising:         -   i) means for receiving and storing said script data and             stock bottle data in electronic format;         -   ii) means for transferring said script data to said script             display means to effect display of said script; and         -   iii) means cooperable with medicament dispensing weighing             means;     -   (d) medicament-dispensing weighing means in communication with         said CPU means; and     -   (e) control means for controlling said CPU means.

Preferably, the station additionally has label printing means for providing printed vial label in communication with the CPU means as hereinabove defined.

Preferably, the station also comprises medicament counting means in communication with the CPU means.

The invention in one embodiment provides a station as hereinabove defined wherein the control means is selected from means comprising keyboard means, touch screen computer means, bar code receiving means and machine readable code means.

The invention in further embodiments provides a station as hereinabove defined wherein the scanning means comprises a bar code scanner.

In further embodiments a station as hereinabove defined further comprises photographic means selected from a camera and web-cam.

Preferably, the station further comprises printing means.

The invention in further embodiments provides a station as hereinabove defined constituted as an “on-site” station comprising a bench, table, kiosk or the like.

The invention in further embodiments provides a station as hereinabove defined wherein the CPU means comprises stored data and means to effect comparison of the script data and the stock bottle label data with the stored data to detect and identify any mistakes.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a prescription checking and medicament dispensing network comprising one or more stations as hereinabove defined in communication with an “off-site” centre.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a network as hereinabove defined wherein the “off-site” centre is adapted to:

-   -   i) receive said script data and stock bottle label data in         electronic format;     -   ii) receive said prescription and said printed vial label by         said photographic means; and     -   iii) monitor said medicament dispensation.

In a further aspect, the invention provides a desired primary source information network comprising a plurality of on-site apparatus as hereinabove defined; and

-   -   a central control and data storage means cooperable with each of         said apparatus to provide said desired primary source         information from said apparatus to said central control.

In a yet further aspect, the invention provides a method for dispensing a medicament prescribed on a prescription from a medicament containing stock bottle having a label,

-   -   said method comprising     -   (a) scanning said prescription and said label to provide script         data and said label data in electronic format;     -   (b) providing display means;     -   (c) providing CPU means comprising         -   i) means for storing said script data and said label data in             electronic format;         -   ii) means for transferring said script data to said display             means;     -   (d) controlling said CPU means under controller means;     -   (e) displaying said script data on said display means to         provided displayed script data;     -   (f) visually comprising said entered prescription data with said         displayed script data to detect and identify any script's entry         mistakes;     -   (g) providing acceptable script data;     -   (h) providing medicament-weighing and counting means in         communication with said CPU means; and     -   (i) enabling the storing and reporting of the information         required in a transaction describing the dispensing of a drug.

Preferably, the method as hereinabove defined further comprises a system for providing vial label printing means; and, for printing said acceptable script data and said label data on a vial label to provide a printed vial label dispensing a selected amount of said medicament in a vial under the control of said CPU means.

In a yet further aspect, the invention provides a method for providing a person with desired primary source medical information in visual format, said method comprising

-   -   (i) providing CPU means; and     -   (ii) feeding primary source information comprising secondary and         tertiary data to said CPU means;     -   said CPU means comprising means to effect a comparison of said         primary source information with said secondary data and said         tertiary data to detect and identify any one or more mismatches         between said primary source information and said secondary and         tertiary data;     -   (iii) effecting said comparison to provide any mismatch; and     -   (iv) visually displaying said primary source information         subjected to said comparison as said desired primary source         information.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a method as hereinabove defined wherein said CPU means comprises stored data and means to effect comparison of said primary source information with said stored data to detect and identify any mismatches between said primary source information and said stored data.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a method as hereinabove defined wherein:

-   -   said primary source information comprises “dispensed         information”;     -   said secondary data is store shelf data; and     -   said tertiary data comprises Rx script data.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a method as hereinabove defined comprising displaying said visual data on a visual display means.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a method as hereinabove defined comprising displaying said desired primary information remotely off-site from said CPU means.

CPU means is preferably a computer, server, or the like, or any other suitable computing device.

In further embodiments, the invention provides a method as hereinabove defined, wherein said method provides a step by step workflow process, which allows for the distribution of jobs and tasks between pharmacy technicians, and therefore permits the pharmacist to focus on direct patient care. The breakdown of jobs and tasks, and the movement from one step to the next in the process, can be assigned to technicians (or clerks) according to their authority levels. As such, the tasks can be organized according to job responsibilities.

The system of the present invention is also preferably designed to be able to locate any prescription at any time, and thereby, determine the current location and status of the selected prescription, currently in progress.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

In order that the invention may be better understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic flow chart and prescription checking and medicament dispensing station according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a photographic representation of a dispensing station according to the invention;

FIG. 3 represents a network of associated dispensing stations according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 is a screen shot of one possible computer system, operating in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements.

It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

Referring to FIG. 1, this shows generally a prescription checking and medicament dispensing station, generally depicted as station 10, having a CPU 12 which is in communication with counting scale 14, display means 16, data storage file 18, linked to printer 20, dispensing software 22, linked to Rx script 24 and receiving means 26. Receiver means 26 receives drug stock bottle information 28 and Rx label information 30. CPU is capable of connection to remote stations using a hardwired, or wireless connection 32.

FIG. 2 shows a representation of one suitable workstation 10 a, which includes a number of the features described in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a plurality of stations 10 constituting a network 100 linked to one another, either directly or through a central control unit 102. This connection can be by any suitable means, and can include hardwire or wireless connections.

FIG. 4 shows a computer display 40 that in shows a typical arrangement of choices 42 for an operator of the system.

The process steps are outlined as follows to provide a basic understanding of one embodiment according to the invention.

-   1. Prescription script 24 originally as written or as orally     communicated by a medical prescriber is scanned into receiving means     26. Alternatively, fax and e-prescription documents, can be received     directly into CPU 12. This information is uploaded and the resultant     script electronic data is stored in storage file 18 under status     Script Pending Entry. -   2. When convenient, the operator; being either the pharmacist or an     authorized technician, recalls the script pending entry information     to be displayed on display means 16, and the contents of such script     will be entered into dispensing software 22. As a result, a Rx label     30 will be generated. -   3. Rx label 30 preferably includes a bar code. The bar code from the     label, which has been printed as a result of entering prescription     information 24 into dispensing software 22, is scanned to enable     interfacing with the dispensing software and to pull the     prescription information, as entered, to be viewed on display screen     16. -   4. Script information is scanned into CPU 12;—preferably including     the patients name, date of birth, Doctor's name, drug name, dosage,     amount of drug, and the like. -   5 CPU 12 accesses database software 22 to enable script data 24 to     be viewed on display screen 16. Entered Prescription Pending     Validation is the new status of such prescription in queue. -   6. A manual comparison is made between prescription information as     entered in the dispensing system and original script 24 as written     by the prescriber in order to detect any mismatches. E-prescription     is verified automatically by software 22. The operator optionally     effects any changes if required. -   7. Electronic script data is preferably transmitted and displayed     “off-site”, through a network, including the global network, by     hardwired, or wireless connections 32, for visual comparison and     verification of script by the pharmacist, who has the option of     adding any reasons for any mismatch, to allow the filling processes     to continue. Validated Prescription Pending Filling is now the new     status of such prescription in queue -   8. Stock bottle label 28 bar code is scanned into CPU 12 which     validates stock drug information and matches this information to the     information of the prescribed drug using, for example, the drug     DIN/NDC number and description, including a pill photo. -   9. CPU 12 is manually controlled by keyboard 34. -   10. CPU 12 instructs and controls pill counting scale 14 which     alerts the operator to dispense the exact quantity of pills into a     vial. Vial size is preferably suggested through stored data to     facilitate proper vial selection. Software 22 creates owing balance     record if necessary. -   11. A printed vial label (not shown), part of Rx label 30, is     created from dispensing software 22 and is affixed to vial. -   12. The filling procedures, involving an image of the filled vial,     its contents and its label, are preferably record using, for     example, a web-cam 36 in order to enable live supervision. The     resultant display, is optionally sent off-site and is also stored in     CPU 12. Filled Prescription Pending Release is the new status of     such prescription in queue.

It will be noted that the script electronic data may be (i) sent off-site; (ii) compared with a secondary database to detect mismatched information; and (iii) through software go directly to the pill counter and the final label.

Rx script is scanned to be available in electronic format via step 1 above by document scanner as part of receiving means 26. This information is uploaded directly to the system in electronic format and the prescription script stored electronically in storage means 18 and is also available for review by an authorized operator.

Rx Label 30 has a bar code and is scanned by a bar code reader which is also part of receiving means 26 in step (3) to initiate a communication between CPU 12 and dispensing software 22 suitable, herein termed “Check Point” software. This software interfaces with the prescription system, pulls the information as entered for this particular prescription and displays such information on display screen 16 along with the electronic copy of the script. The operator, who may be a pharmacist or technician, validates each and every component of the entered information against the original script as written according to the operator's authority level. Mismatched information can be accepted to continue the process of filling the prescription with valid reasons. By scanning the selected pack or stock bottle 28 as in step (8), the Check Point software verifies the DIN/NDC number of the selected pack or stock bottle against the DIN/NDC number as entered into the prescription system, printed in the hardcopy label and approved by the pharmacist to be true as prescribed in the original script. A status message may alert the pharmacist to initiate audio/video communication, optionally as part of the dispensing station equipment, with the technician and oversight the process remotely.

Station 10 has a counting scale 14, and/or a pill counter, for accurate filling. The quantity of pills to be counted is synchronized electronically between the Check Point software and the counting scale, or pill counter, by step (10). In case of short stock, the software creates a record of owing balances via CPU 12 to be stored in storage mean 18. This minimizes human errors and provides more reliable record keeping. Counting pills directly into vial, as well as weighing them, also avoids cross contamination. The size of the vial is suggested by the Check Point software. This offers safer packaging for patients who are allergic to different medications. The dispensing station enables the pharmacist to supervise, communicate and direct the technician during this process. Further, the system allows the capture of a picture of the prepared vials before being released to the patient.

Thus, Rx script as written to provide medication directions is scanned by receiving means 26, entered into dispensing software 22 and stored in storage means 18. Rx label 30 is generated from dispensing software 22 and has a hard copy vial label upon which patient, prescriber, drug and bill information are printed and Rx receipt barcode scanned to initiate interface between 22 and CPU 12.

Drug stock bottle 28 is taken from a shelf, stock room or the like to provide the drug to be dispensed. CPU 12 receives information as entered into dispensing software 22, and enables verification of information against written script of 24, stock bottle 28 and controls counting scale 14.

Control of the operation can be achieved using the various software options. In FIG. 4, a snap shot of different status levels 42 are shown on a computer display screen 40 wherein an operator can select one or more status levels, depending on their job responsibilities and/or authorization levels. Access can be controlled by password control, or any other suitable security measure, as required. As such, the operator can focus on their assigned duties.

A brief description of the operational status of various items shown, by way of example, is as follows:

“Script Pending Entry”—a received prescription by any means, including a written copy handed or fed into the system, a verbal order which is then written down by authorized pharmacy personnel, a received facsimile order, a received copy of an electronically transmitted script, or the like.

“Waiting Validation Approval”—an entered prescription which has been checked by a lower level clerk, and is waiting for pharmacist approval.

“Approved Rx Pending Filling”—pharmacist approved entries, which includes all relevant content which matches the prescribed medication, and with override information where there are mismatches with valid reasons. If not approved, the file is moved to “Rx Pending Re-Entry” status.

“Logged Rx, On Hold”—refers to prescriptions which have not yet been filled.

“Waiting Filling Approval”—refers to prescriptions which have been filled by a technician, after the prescription has been validated by the pharmacist, and which are waiting for the pharmacist to then review and approve the filled contents.

“Approved Rx Pending Release”—After the pharmacist has reviewed the filled vial, and approved the dispensing of the medication, will this status be used. At this point, only billing information is required in order to have the prescription released. Otherwise, the file can be moved to the “Rx Pending Refilling” status.

Of course, other status designations can be included, as required.

As such, the present invention also preferably provides a method as hereinabove described, additionally comprising step-by-step workflow in monitoring and organizing the process of dispensing medication, once the order has been received by any licensed location, to dispense medication until the medication has been released and given to the intended patient.

Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a pharmacy workflow platform, a prescription checking and medicament dispensing station, a network thereof, and methods therewith, which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word “comprise” and variations of the word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

Moreover, the words “substantially” or “essentially”, when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and/or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element.

Further, use of the terms “he”, “him”, or “his”, is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as “she”, “her”, or “hers”, respectively.

Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

Moreover, although this disclosure has described and illustrated certain preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not restricted to those particular embodiments. Rather, the invention includes all embodiments which are functional or mechanical equivalence of the specific embodiments and features that have been described and illustrated. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for dispensing a medicament, prescribed as script data on a prescription, from a medicament-containing stock bottle having a bottle label, said method comprising (a) providing bottle label data for a plurality of different medicament-containing bottles, in electronic format; (b) providing a computing device, with a display screen, and controlled by control means, wherein said computing device is configured for storing said bottle label data; (c) entering script data, from said prescription, in electronic format on said computing device, so that said entered script data is stored on said computing device; (d) displaying said prescription and said entered script data on said display screen, so as to provide displayed prescription and displayed script data; (e) visually comparing said displayed prescription with said displayed script data to detect and identify any mistakes in said entered script data; (f) validating that said entered script data is correct; (g) relating said entered script data to said bottle label data so as to identify a medicament-containing stock bottle; (h) retrieving said medicament-containing stock bottle from a plurality of different medicament-containing stock bottles; (i) scanning the label on the retrieved medicament-containing stock bottle to provide scanned label information; (j) comparing said scanned label information with said entered script data, and validating that said retrieved medicament-containing stock bottle is correct; (k) dispensing said medicament from said retrieved medicament-containing stock bottle; and (l) weighing or counting said dispensed medicament using a counting scale or pill counter in communication with said computing device in order to determine the quantity of said medicament dispensed, in accordance with said prescription.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising providing a step-by-step medicament dispensing workflow which workflow can be monitored during the process of dispensing medication, once the order has been received by any licensed location to dispense medication, until the medication has been released and given to the intended patient.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said scanned stock bottle label is a bar code, and said label is scanned using a bar code scanner. 